Showing posts with label Type 10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Type 10. Show all posts

Monday 4 June 2018

JGSDF's Rikkunland - Museum Par Excellence?


 
 
  

Ground level view of the JGSDF Public Information Center.
 
 
 
Aerial View of the JGSDF Public Information Center.
Armoured vehicles and a UH-1 helicopter can be seen
on display at the courtyard behind the main building. Image Google Earth



 Rikkunland


There is a little known military attraction near Tokyo with an official name so long that nobody with the right mind would want to vocalize - the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Public Information Center ( 陸上自衛隊広報センター Rikujojieitai Koho Senta ). The Japanese have wisely nicknamed it Rikkunland ( りっくんランド Rikkunrando ), after the center's Humpty-Dumpty lookalike mascot Rikkun.

It is essentially an army museum to showcase the history and equipment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force or JGSDF. Its main purpose is to attract eligible persons to join the organization as career soldiers. I am well past conscription age but I paid a visit to the center anyway, when I was in Tokyo in September last year. A surprising discovery awaited at the center, one which probably even IHS Jane's does not know about ...

All photographs taken by the author unless otherwise stated.


Mascots of the JGSDF Public Information Center Rikkun
and his female counterpart Asaka Chan.


 

JGSDF : An Army That Is Not An Army



The JGSDF is a rather strange entity. Japan's defeat in World War Two was followed immediately by seven years of Allied occupation lead mainly by the United States of America. The occupation forces had among other missions, the urgent task of supervising the demilitarization of Japan. The Imperial Army and the Imperial Navy were thus dismantled, in accordance with the Potsdam Declaration which defined the terms of the surrender. But Japan was not only stripped of its military, it also at around that time voluntarily adopted its post-war peace Constitution in which it had forever renounced the right to wage war. The maintenance of land, sea and air forces or any other capabilities with war potential was also specifically prohibited. So how then did the JGSDF come into being?

While Japan had initially relied on the US occupation forces to protect itself from external threats, within a few years rising Cold War tensions and increasing domestic strife had made the Japanese have second thoughts about relinquishing all military capabilities. In particular, the outbreak of the Korean War saw the US withdraw most of its armed forces from Japan to redeploy to Korea, leaving Japan almost defenseless. It also made the Japanese realize that moving forward, they need some sort of mutual defense arrangement with the US to guarantee their external security. It was under those trying circumstances that in July 1950 the Japanese government authorized the establishment of the National Police Reserve, with the blessings of the Americans. Comprising of 75000 men armed with light infantry weapons, they would be involved in matters relating to internal security and in disaster relief.

By the time the Allied occupation ended in April 1952, the Japanese had not only regained the sovereignty over their main islands, they had also established a mutual defense pack with the US. The National Police Reserve was expanded to 110000 men and renamed the National Safety Forces, the direct predecessor of the JGSDF. Because barely two years later, there would be yet another major reorganization that would result in the creation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, complete with the three major services of ground, sea and air.

And thus the JGSDF was born and became the de facto post-war Japanese Army, though Japan was not permitted by its Constitution to maintain an army in the first place. In its current state, the JGSDF, a self-defense entity, has more offensive capabilities than many of the world's conventional armies.


JGSDF Emblem
 


Recruitment - Rikkunland's Raison D'être 



You can have the most advanced main battle tank, the most powerful field artillery or the best attack helicopter, but without the manpower to operate them, these complex war machines would be completely useless. Military recruitment has always been a hard sell especially during times of relative peace and prosperity. In modern day Japan, the recruiting officer's task is made many times harder still.

Although the initial post-war public apathy towards the armed services has slowly given way to a better appreciation of the role of the SDF particularly in disaster relief in recent years, a career in the private sector is still likely to offer a higher salary and is perceived to be more prestigious.

Also, the JSDF is an all-volunteer force as conscription is not provided for under the Constitution. SDF personnel join the organization out of their own free will as career soldiers and are considered as special civil servants. They are legally civilians and are paid according to civilian pay scales. Consequently, they can resign at anytime and retention of talent is a huge issue.

Perhaps most importantly, Japan has one of the world's lowest fertility rates at just 1.46 per women ( 2015 figures ) and has the most rapidly ageing population on the planet. After peaking at 128 million in the year 2010, its population is now contracting at approximately 1 million a year. Fewer newborns means a forever shrinking pool of potential volunteer candidates for the SDF in the years to come.

This is likely why the JGSDF commissioned the Public Information Centre way back in the year 2002 in a bid to increase its visibility as an organization and to attract more young Japanese to signed up for a military career. It is physically located adjacent to Camp Asaka in Wako City, Saitama Prefecture. Wako Station is just 20 minutes by rail from Ikebukuro, Tokyo but from there it is another 20 minutes of walking to the Camp. Comprising of a large rectangular building with a lot of glass structure, the center has attracted 1.5 million visitors in the 15 years since its inception. So what is it like inside?


Image from the recruitment page of JSDF website


Entering Rikkunland



Entry to the JGSDF Public Information Center ( henceforth known as the museum ) is free. As the visitors enter the main entrance, the duty officer in a small reception booth greets and welcomes them. The center's very small and congested gift shop is located just next to the reception. In it you will find the usual souvenirs with military themes like insignia patches, caps and plastic scale models of some of JGSDF's equipment. Continue forward and you will reach the exit of the main exhibition hall but the duty officer would have directed the visitor to take the lift to the second floor and begin their tour of the museum from there. It was right next to the lift lobby that I made a most unusual discovery, even before my tour of the museum proper had began.



Beneath the illuminated logo of the center next to the exit of the exhibition hall
are a collection of miniature models of JGSDF's equipment.


Secret Weapon of the JGSDF



Sitting in a display case next to the exit of the main exhibition hall are a series of scale models of many of JGSDF's current and legacy equipment, neatly arranged and all beautifully rendered in their battlefield camouflage. Among them I spotted the M4 Sherman, the Type 10 MBT, the Patriot missile, the AH-64 Apache, the Type 74 Self-Propelled Howitzer and to my utter astonishment, there was Gojira, hiding at the rear corner.



Scale models of JGSDF equipment, old and new.
The sharp-eyed would notice an anomaly at the rear ranks. 



For those of you who are not in the know, Gojira ( ゴジラ ) is the original Japanese name for a certain prehistoric sea monster that was awakened from its slumber deep within Tokyo Bay after exposure to radiation from nuclear blasts. This amphibian reptilian is 50 meters tall and is enormously strong, with a hide so thick that it is immune to attacks from all kinds of conventional munitions. Its most powerful weapon is its radioactive breath, generated by nuclear reactions within its belly. It had killed thousands and left a trail of destruction as it stomped through greater Tokyo, time and again, at least in Toho Pictures' films anyway. Hollywood would later adulterate that name to become .... Godzilla, which is most likely the version that you are familiar with.



Lizard and panzers.



Gojira hiding behind a Type 74 105mm Self Propelled Howitzer.
Note : Not to scale.



Gojira? Seriously? If the JGSDF has successfully recruited this super duper reptilian into its ranks, it would have been invincible to say the least. The Chinese wouldn't dare send anymore ships to the waters around Senkaku Island nor aircrafts to intrude into Japanese airspace. All these tiny machines would simply be crushed beyond recognition. And Mr Pootin too had better return the disputed Kuril Islands as soon as possible, before his ass is fried by lizard breath.

Now Gojira would not have been included in the display had it not been officially part of JGSDF's ORBAT, or would it?


The Second Floor : History of the JGSDF



After the excitement of discovering Gojira comes the boring part of the museum tour. Next to the lift landing on the second floor is a small area displaying the mission, the organization table and the rank structure of the JGSDF. This area overlooks the grand exhibition hall but does not command a good view. It would lead to a relatively small room with photographs, paintings and displays outlining the history of the JGSDF.

As mentioned earlier, the JGSDF is mainly concerned with the defense of the Japanese Archipelago and in humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Recent years have also seen JGSDF personnel deployed in United Nations peacekeeping operations outside of Japan though in non-combat roles such was logistics and medical.

Highlighted here were also JGSDF personnel who had won medals for representing Japan in the various Olympic Games over the past few decades.

A full-length wall mural display listed the key events that shaped the organization through the years and also showed the fluctuations in personnel and major equipment numbers since the inception of the JGSDF in 1954. Be warned that it is all in Japanese with very little English translation, since the museum's target population are the locals rather than foreigners.



Events and numbers. Only the title is in English. Everything else in Japanese.

Probably the most interesting part of this sub-section is a series of seven or eight paintings commissioned by the JGSDF to commemorate its 50th anniversary. I love military art, especially those that depict historical events. Below is a painting showing the rescue operation after the 1995 Kobe earthquake entitled " Disaster Relief Dispatch for the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake (1995)". I wish there could have been more of these being displayed.




Paintings commissioned for commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the JGSDF

Apart from this there is a small library cum reading room next door when racks of military related magazines and books are available for reference. Needless to say, they are all in Japanese. This room probably doubles as an activity room of sorts, as there are coloring materials for kids. With that, I was done with the second floor. The main attractions are all at the main exhibition hall one floor below as well as the outdoor display just behind the museum.


Main Exhibition Hall : Hardware of the JGSDF


As the visitor descended on the stairs connecting the two floors, the cavernous main exhibition hall would come into view. Two huge parachutes hung vertically down from the very high ceiling, one was for delivering cargo, the other for paratroopers. Beneath the canopies are all the indoor static displays and occupying the central and most prominent position is the star attraction of the museum - the Fuji AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter.



The main exhibition hall at level 1



Fuji AH-1S Cobra


First entering service with the JGSDF in 1984, AH-1S helicopter gunship was JGSDF's main attack helicopter until it was replaced by the AH-64D Apache. A total of 90 AH-1S were licence built by Fuji Heavy Industries with the last rolled out in the year 2000. They were roughly equivalent to the modernized AH-1F Cobras. They are armed with TOW anti-tank guided missiles, 70mm rockets and a 20mm Gatling Gun, all of which can be viewed at close range at the museum. As of Mar 2015 there were still some 60 AH-1S in active service with the GSDF.

The AH-1S is officially known as an Anti-Tank Helicopter ( 対戦車ヘリコプター taisensha herikoputa ) within the JGSDF whereas the more advanced AH-64D is known as a Battle Helicopter ( 戦闘ヘリコプター sento herikoputa )  indicating perhaps a broader attack role which is not just limited to tanks.

The museum periodically holds " open cockpit day " special event and allows visitors to take the pilot's seat, a sure way to attract the next generation of army aviators.





AH-1S Cobra on display at the museum




70mm rocket launchers and TOW missile launchers of the AH-1S


Cockpit of the AH-1S ( front )



70mm rocket, 20mm autocannon ammunition, an a scale model
of the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.






Type 90 Main Battle Tank


Other Than the AH-1S Cobra, the other major indoor attraction on display is without doubt the Type 90 Main Battle Tank. Adjacent to and with its 120mm main gun pointing at the AH-1S, the Type 90 tries to steal the thunder from the helicopter. Though still in active deployment, the Type 90 has been superseded by the newer and more advanced Type 10 main battle tank which was displayed at the outdoor area. On special occasions, the commander's seat will be open to the public for a taste of what it is like to be inside a tank. For this reason, the museum had installed fixed railings on the turret to prevent visitors from falling off.

Next to the tank were displays of its ammunition - HEAT and APFSDS rounds for the Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore gun.



The Type 90 Main Battle Tank on display at the museum.



The Type 90 MBT with stairs linking to level 2 in the background.


Type 90 MBT Ammunition : 120mm HEAT ( top ) and APFSDS ( bottom )

Gunner's Periscope


Next to the Type-90 MBT is a little arcade-like box structure that simulates the tank gunner's primary targeting sight and allows the visitor to have a feel of how it is like to aim the 120mm gun.


Gunner's primary sight periscope



Gunner's primary sight periscope



Infantry Weapons and Equipment



Of course the display would not be complete without a show of infantry weapons and equipment. After all, the lowly and unappreciated foot soldier is the mainstay of any ground force. So there is the usual army uniforms, boots, helmets and even gas masks being displayed using mannequins.

The standard infantry rifle, the squad automatic weapon and the tank mounted general purpose machine gun were showcased. Even the Type 91 portable surface to air missile is displayed.


Top to bottom : Howa Type 89 assault rifle 5.56mm,
 Sumitomo MINIMI Light machine gun 5.56mm,
 Sumitomo Type 74 turret mounted co-axial machine gun 7.62mm.
 
 
Toshiba Type 91 man-portable surface-to-air missile
aka Hand Arrow


Another section had a backpack, a flak jacket and a parachute pack weighing exactly like what they would when worn or carried by the soldiers. The visitor can experience the actual weight of these loads by putting them on their backs.


Lead weighted packs and vest to simulate an infantryman's load.

Aviator's Helmet, Type 88 Steel helmet, aviator's boots,
combat backpack, Type 2 bullet-proof vest.


Type 00 chemical warfare protective equipment.


Motorcycle for reconnaissance



Army Rations


As Napoleon Bonaparte had famously said, an army marches on its stomach. It is therefore not surprising to see JGSDF field rations as part of the exhibit. What is unusual here is simply the variety of ration types available to the Japanese self-defense force personnel. It is almost like a mini Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Curry bonito with rice, Miso mackerel, spicy Mabo vegetable, stir fried pork with ginger, beef stew, meatballs ... the list goes on.


JGSDF combat rations


3D Theatre


A small audio-visual room screens 3D movies on the history and equipment of the JGSDF. Be warned that they are all in Japanese language only, since the center does not expect non-Japanese visitors usually. The audience will also have to don 3D glasses when viewing the movies.


3D theater



Helicopter Simulator


A small flight simulator occupies an area next to the AH-1S. In it two persons can sit side by side to experience the simulated flight of an attack helicopter. Flight control is however not available and the visitor and only feel the pitching and yawing of the cockpit with a lot of background noise of the rotors.

Rent A Uniform

Among the unusual features of the museum is its military uniform rental service which is free of charge. Visitors can go to the rental corner which has racks of army fatigues of various sizes neatly displayed and ask for a suitable uniform to wear within the museum. They can then stroll around the center and pose for photographs next to the military hardware on display. So don a uniform, look smart and pretend to be a soldier today. Hopefully in time to come you'll be part of the SDF.


Outdoor Display


Apart from the indoor exhibits, there are more armoured vehicles and helicopters to be seen at the outdoor static display just behind the main museum building. As the visitor exits the main hall, the first thing that comes to sight is an underground command bunker. You literally have to descend a flight of stairs to view this command center which is rather claustrophobic.


Entrance to the underground command post
 

 
Inside the command bunker

It is much better to be out in the open with the sunshine warming your face and two neat rows of air and land vehicles waiting for you to inspect.



Outdoor display R to L : Type 10 MBT, Type 74 MBT,
Type 96 Wheeled APC, Type 89 IFV, Type 87 SPAAG,
Type 94 Beach Minelayer.

Outdoor static display L to R : UH-1, Type 75 155mm SPH,
Type 74 105mm SPH, Medium ranged multi-purpose missile carrier.

 
The Type 10 MBT - probably the most popular among the outdoor displays.

 
 
The Type 10 BMT on display is the original prototype which
the Technical Research And Development Institute
( now Acquisition, Technology And Logistics Agency ) commissioned
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build in 2008,
as indicated by these plates on the chassis.




Type 74 MBT with 105mm rifled gun.
Still listed on the JGSDF website but completely obsolete.
Meant to be replaced by the Type 90 BMT.




Type 89 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.



Komatsu Type 96 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier.




Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun
 with twin 35mm Oerlikon autocannons.




Type 94 Beach Mine Layer


Fuji UH-1H



Type 75 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer


Type 74 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer


Missile carrier : Medium Ranged Multi-purpose Guided Missile

 
Fuji Heavy Industries Flying Forward Observation System
 remotely controlled helicopter.





A Museum That Is Not A Museum


Just like its parent organization which is obviously a military body but is known as a self defense force, the JGSDF Public Information Center has all the characteristics and hallmark of a museum but it is not called a museum. The International Council of Museum ( ICOM ) defines a museum as " a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment ". For all intent and purposes, the JGSDF Public Information Center fits all those descriptions, and most rational minds would have classified it as a museum.


How To Make The JGSDF Public Information Center Better



From my very brief visit to Rikkunland on a typical weekday morning, I could tell that it has excellent content that could attract a niche group of visitors, namely local Japanese military enthusiasts. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit and I felt that it was well worth the half day trip from Tokyo. However, I noticed there were few visitors to the center that day. Hopefully the center would draw a larger crowd on weekends. In order to better fulfill its original role of recruiting young Japanese men and women to join the ranks of the JGSDF, the center could have done more.


A Better Name


A much shorter and catchy name might be useful, like Rikugunkan ( 陸軍館 ) which means Army Museum. Anything but Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Public Information Center. It will be easier to remember and also to search for.


A Better Location


The current location of the center adjacent to Camp Asaka makes it convenient for the GSDF personnel to rotate large and heavy military hardware on exhibition but is not easily accessible by the visiting public. Wako City is 20 minutes by rail from Ikebukuro and the camp and center is another 20 minutes away on foot. It would be better if the center is located within metropolitan Tokyo itself, somewhere where lots of young people frequent. That way visitor traffic would be higher. The center currently has an average of about 100000 visitors per year. That's way lower than the figures for the Yamato Museum in Kure which received about 1 million visitors per year.


Contemporary Hardware


Though the center did have on display some modern latest generation hardware like the Type 10 main battle tank, a lot of the exhibits were legacy systems that are either phased out or on the way out. For example, instead of the AH-1S cobra helicopter gunship as the centerpiece, why not have the latest AH-64D displayed? If the JGSDF cannot spare an extra airframe for display, a 1:1 scale replica would do as well.

Also, there are some weapon systems in the GSDF's inventory that are obviously missing, like the M-270 multiple launch rocket system and the M-110 203mm self-propelled howitzer. I was just about to include the Patriot surface to air missile until a quick check revealed that they are JASDF inventory.


Interactive Displays


Japan is a country well known for its technological innovations. In fact the Japanese love to use advanced technology to offer solutions to the many problems that plague their society. The use of robotics to overcome the shortage of labour due to an ageing population is a good example. In the same way, the center should harness technology to make its exhibits more interactive and for the visitor to have a more immersive experience. The 3D theatre is passé. All the major TV manufacturers have abandoned 3D in their latest offerings. We are now into augmented reality and virtual reality. Why not have a VR combat simulator that allows for an out of this world experience of the future battlefield?

 

Well Designed Mascot


I have to be honest, Rikkun and Asaka Chan, the current male and female mascot of the center are not the cutest nor the most lovable creatures ever designed. They looked like eggs with arms and legs and reminded me of Humpty Dumpty first and foremost. Maybe I am missing something that only the Japanese can understand but having something that look less fragile and less obese perhaps may be a better brand ambassador for the JGSDF. A well designed mascot will project a very different image of the ground forces especially now that Prime Minister Abe is trying to change the Post-War Peace Constitution.


The Killer App


Finally, if the museum were to attract young visitors, having a star attraction that appeals to people of that generation would certainly be useful. Japan being a land of manga ( comics ) and anime ( cartoons ), choosing a strong character from one of the popular series and turning it into a highly visible iconic landmark for the museum might just do the trick.

Which character to choose? I think JGSDF already has the perfect candidate and it is none other than the world's most famous lizard Godzilla. For decades, in almost every Godzilla movie, the reptile has been making a fool of the Japanese Self Defense Forces, chomping up fighter aircrafts and helicopters in the sky and crushing tanks, armoured vehicles and soldiers on the ground. It seems the SDF could never win. The time has come to make the lizard work for the SDF, for once.

If the JGSDF could create a huge Godzilla replica that towers way above the museum building and make it look as if it is attacking the building itself, that could become the museum's main crowd puller and a recognizable local landmark. The rooftop area can also be made accessible to visitors to be standing next to the replica for photograph taking.

And to make it even more interesting, a life-sized diorama can be set up by rearranging the currently neatly parked array of artillery pieces, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles on static display at the court yard behind the museum building to make them look as if they are fighting the monster lizard.

Anything would be better than the current drape office building lookalike appearance of the museum.


A Museum Worth Visiting?



Even in its current form, the JGSDF Public Information Center is an interesting place to visit for military buffs, definitely worth spending half a day if you find yourself in Tokyo with time to kill. With the exception of license-built hardware like the AH-1S or UH-1, almost all the displayed armoured vehicles and tube artillery are unique to the Japanese SDF as none have ever been exported to other countries.

Applying a more modern operating concept might make the museum more attractive and relevant to the younger generation, its main target population. With its future I certainly hope JGSDF will continue to improve on its already excellent museum and take it to the next level.














Friday 9 October 2015

JGSDF Kamifurano Garrison 60th Anniversary Special Stamp Issue 陸上自衛隊上富良野駐屯地創立六十周年記念特殊切手


Chanced Encounter



A week ago, while travelling in Hokkaido, Japan, I found an interesting stamp sheetlet on sale at the Sounkyo Onsen Post Office. It consisted of a set of ten self-adhesive stamps on a minisheet issued by Japan Post ( 日本郵便 Nippon Yubin ) commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Kamifurano Garrison of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force ( JGSDF ). The total face value of the ten stamps of ¥82 each came up to ¥820 but the sheet sells for  ¥1230 ( US$10.23 at today's exchange rates ). The stamps depict the various weapon systems of the garrison including tanks, howitzers, multiple launch rocket system, anti-ship guided missile and its search radar and the mountain rescue team. As an avid stamp collector, I immediately grabbed it. I had wanted more but the post office counter staff told me it was the last piece on sale. I am somewhat familiar with the special stamp issues by Japan Post since the schedule is published at its official website but knew nothing about this particular stamp sheet. Today, after some research, I discovered that this commemorative issue is a limited edition release of only 1000 sets by the Hokkaido division of Japan Post. It is only available for sale at various major post offices in Hokkaido from 8th Jun 2015. It also prompted me to want to learn more about the JGSDF and its activities in Hokkaido.



The JGSDF Kamifurano Station 60th Anniversary Limited Edition
Stamp Minisheet by Japan Post

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force


The Japanese Self-Defense Force is formed after Japan's defeat in World War Two to provide a self-defense capability against foreign aggression. The post-war constitution only allowed the formation of a self-defense force and specifically prohibited the military from acquiring any form of offensive capability. Even the Japanese defense industry is not spared from such restrictions such that they can only manufacture and sell their weapon systems to the self-defense forces and cannot export them to foreign nations. Only now, on the brink of a potential submarine sale to Australia that some of these regulations are being revised.

As usual, the Japanese self-defense forces are made up of the three services equivalent to the air force, navy and army of other nations - Japan Air Self-Defense Force ( JASDF ), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ( JMSDF ) and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force ( JGSDF ).

In the Japanese language, JGSDF is known as the 陸上自衛隊 ( Rikujo Jieitai ). They are a formidable force with advanced weaponry and career soldiers who are professionally trained. They have garrisons all over Japan and such camps or stations are known as Chutonchi ( 駐屯地 ), literally meaning a place where troops assemble and where materials are stockpiled. Such military camps are usually named after the ward or town where they are located. So in this case the JGSDF Kamifurano Station is located in the Kamifurano Ward ( 上富良野町 ), Sorachi County ( 空知郡 ), Hokkaido ( 北海道 ).

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Kamifurano Station, an open house with drills and ground maneuvers was staged. Concerts and other celebratory events were also organized through summer


Furano : Navel of Hokkaido


First a little introduction on the Furano ( 富良野 ) region of Hokkaido, the northern most part of Japan. Furano City ( population 23017 ) is actually located right at the centre of Hokkaido such that it is also known as the Navel of Hokkaido. It is an extremely picturesque area of broad rolling farmlands with winding rivers surrounded by a series of mountain peaks including the Tokachi Range ( 十勝連峰 ) of the Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ). The Furano area is most famous for the melons and lavender flowers that are grown in many of the flower farms. Every summer, throngs of tourists visit Farm Tomita and other nearby flower farms in Nakafurano ( 中富良野 ) to witness the flowers in full bloom. It is also a wine producing region with the Furano Winery researching and producing Furono Wines since 1972 and the Ikeda Grape and Wine Research Station producing the equally famous Tokachi Wines. In winter, the Kitanomine ski fields adjacent to Furano City becomes a winter sports paradise. Kitanomine is much smaller than Niseko and have yet to be invaded by foreigners.


The flower fields of Farm Tomita ( 富田ファーム ) in Nakafurano
in full bloom in early summer. Photo Farm Tomita


Kitanomine ( 北の峰 ) Ski Slope overlooking Furano City with the
Tokachi Mountains in the far background. Photo : Furano Tourism Association
Furano is also known as the Navel of Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's 4 main islands.
Top right is Sakhalin Island of Russia.



Three Generations of Main Battle Tanks 三世代戦車




三世代戦車 Sanseidaisensha : 3 Generations of MBT in the snow


The JGSDF currently has in its inventory three different generations of main battle tanks ( MBT ) beginning with the Type 74 which was produced from 1975, the Type 90 which was produced from 1990, and the latest 4th generation Type 10 which was produced beginning in the year 2010. The first generation Type 61 MBT had already been retired from service in the year 2000.

Incidentally, all three types of MBTs are stationed at the Kamifurano Garrison. They form the JGSDF 2nd Tank Regiment ( 第2戦車連隊 Dainisensharentai ) whose parent unit is the JGSDF 2nd Division Northern Army ( 第2師団 Dainishidan ) based in Asahikawa. The Regiment has five squadrons with Squadrons 1,2,3 and 5 fielding the older Type 74 and Type 90 MBTs while Squadron 4 is the sole operator of the newest Type 10 MBT.

Of the three MBT types, the Type 74 is the most numerous with a total of 893 built. The Type 90 came in second with 341 units built, the production run being cut short due to the end of the Cold War and budgetary constrains. The Type 10 had just entered production 5 years ago and numbers are still building up with 66 units completed by 2014. It is meant to be the replacement for both the Type 74 and 90. The broad open rural areas of Hokkaido offers the armour regiments lots of maneuvering spaces unlike the other regions of Japan which are either too mountainous or highly urbanized. This is the main reason why all three MBT generations are found at the Kamifurano Station.



A second generation JGSDF Type 74 MBT on display in a photo dated 2007.
Note the rounded turret common during the sixties similar to the Soviet T-62.
Source : Wikipedia.


Third generation JGSDF Type 90 MBT of the 72nd Tank Regiment,
7th Armoured Division, based at the Kita-Eniwa Station, Hokkaido,
in maneuvers. They are also known as the White Horse Regiment.
Photo : JGSDF

 
Fourth generation JGSDF Type 10 MBT during the
Self Defense Forces Day parade 1st Nov 2013. Photo : JGSDF 



Type 90 Main Battle Tank 90式戦車



The Type 90 MBT of the 2nd Tank Regiment, JGSDF 2nd Division Northern Army.


Also known as the Kyu-Maru Shiki Sensha ( 90式戦車 ), the Type 90 MBT was meant to counter the Soviet T-72 MBT. It was designed and built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and has a licence produced Rheinmetall L44 120mm smoothbore cannon with automatic loader. This same gun system is found in the German Leopard 2, the South Korean K1A1 and the US M1A2 Abrams MBTs. It is also armed with a 0.5 caliber M2 Ma Duece Browning heavy machine gun and a co-axially mounted 7.62mm general purpose machine gun. The Type 90 weighs about 50 tonnes and is rather boxy looking. It is the central pillar of the JGSDF armoured divisions until enough of the newer Type 10s are available. The older Type 74s were already obsolete even before the Type 90 was produced.


The JGSDF Type 90 Main Battle Tank in winter camouflage. Photo : JGSDF 



Type 10 Main Battle Tank 10式戦車



The Type 10 MBT of the 4th Squadron, 2nd Tank Regiment, JGSDF 2nd Division Northern Army.


The Type 10 MBT is also known as the Hito-Maru Shiki Sensha ( 10式戦車 ) in Japanese. It is Japan's latest generation MBT manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that is constructed from nano-crystal steel and has composite armour. It has a newly developed 120mm smoothbore main gun by Japan Steel Works and weighs 44 tonnes. It is powered by a 1200hp V8 diesel engine and has continuous variable transmission that allows the tank to achieve maximum speeds of 70km/h both forward and in reverse! It is fully equipped with day and night sights and its C4I system is vital for the sharing of information and intelligence in today's network-centric warfare.



The 4th generation JGSDF Type 10 Main Battle Tank with its
120mm smoothbore gun, 12.7mm HMG and electro-optical sensors. Photo : JGSDF



M-110A2 203mm Self-Propelled Howitzer 203mm 自走榴弾砲




A battery of M-110A2 203mm Self-Propelled Howitzers of the JGSDF
neatly lined up in the snow with the Tokachi Mountain Range in the background. 


 The US M-110A2 203mm Self-Propelled Howitzer ( SPH ) is a Cold War relic that could be used to fire conventional as well as tactical nuclear shells ( W33 and W79 ). It has been retired from service by the United States and most of its NATO allies after the end of the Cold War but is still in the inventory of a few countries like Greece, Israel, Egypt and Japan. Its advantage in range over smaller caliber artillery pieces have largely been superseded by advancement in technology. They might be old but can still pack a tremendous punch especially when laying down barrage fire. They are known as the 203mm Jisouryuudanpou (  自走榴弾砲 ) in Japanese.




JGSDF M110A2 203mm Self-Propelled Howitzer during the annual
Fuji Firepower Exercise at the East Fuji Maneuvering Grounds
near Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture. Photo : JGSDF


Multiple Launch Rocket System 多連装ロケットシステ​ム





The M270 MLRS of the 4th Artillery Group, 1st Artillery Brigade, JGSDF Northern Army.


The JGSDF's multiple launch rocket system ( MLRS ) is basically the US M270 tracked multiple rocket launcher licence produced by IHI Aerospace of Japan. Since 1992, the JGSDF had progressively acquired 9 launchers annually until 2001 after which the acquisition rate fell to 3 vehicles per year till 2004 for a grand total of 99 M270 MLRS. The M270 can fire either 12 unguided 227mm M26 rockets with various warheads or the GPS guided M31 GMLRS rockets which Japan started to procure in 2008. The MLRS stationed at Kamifurano belongs to the JGSDF 4th Artillery Group ( Machanized ) ( 第4特科群 ) whose parent unit is the JGSDF 1st Artillery Brigade ( 第1特科団 ) based at Kita-Chitose. In Japanese, the MLRS is known as Tarensou ROKETTO SHISUTEMU ( 多連装ロケットシステム ).




The JGSDF M270 MLRS fully loaded with 12 227mm rockets. Photo : JGSDF


Type 88 Surface To Ship Missile ( 88式地対艦誘導弾 )





The JGSDF Type 88 SSM Transporter-Erector Launcher.




The Type 88 SSM being fired from its TEL vehicle.




The Type 88 SSM search radar.


Evolved from the air launched Type 80 ASM-1 anti-ship missile developed for the JASDF in the eighties, the Type 88 SSM-1 is the ground launched version for the JGSDF. Manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, this sea-skimming subsonic surface-to-ship missile has a range of 180km. It utilizes two solid fuel booster rockets during launch and a turbojet engine ( Mitsubishi TJM-2 ) for cruising at mach 0.95. The missile weighs 661kg, has a length of 5.08m and a diameter of 35cm. It carries a 225kg high explosive ( HE ) warhead. Guidance system is by inertial guidance ( INS ) with terminal active radar homing. A total of 6 missiles are being carried by each of the Type 74 heavy truck transporter erector launcher ( TEL ). They are usually fired from concealed locations within 100km from the coast against an invading enemy naval task force. The JGSDF has 54 TELs in its inventory. The Type 88 has a similar capability as the Harpoon missile. An improved vertical launched INS/GPS guided version known as the Type 12 is currently being procured.

Also shown above is the JTPS-P15 Sentry Radar System mounted on a Type 73 1/2 Ton light truck. It is the search radar for the missile batteries. The Type 88s at Kamifurano Garrison belong to the 3rd Surface to Ship Missile Regiment ( 第3地対艦ミサイル連隊 ) whose parent unit is again the JGSDF 1st Artillery Brigade ( 第1特科団 ) of the 2nd Division Northern Army.




JGSDF Type 88 SSM-1 TELs with 6 missiles each erected and ready to fire. Photo JGSDF.




Type 88 SSM-1 search radar JTPS-P15 on a Type 73 light truck. Photo : Wikipedia


 Type 96 Multi-Purpose Guided Missile System ( 96式多目的誘導弾システム )


 
 
The Type 96 Multi-Purpose Guided Missile System of the 2nd Ground to Ship and Anti-Tank Company, JGSDF 2nd Division Northern Army.

 
 
The Type 96 Multi-Purpose Guided Missile is a medium range infra-red homing, optically guided missile for use against amphibious landing crafts and tanks. It can even be used against helicopters. Developed by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries from 1986, it took ten years before its first deployment in 1996. The missile is 2m long and has a diameter of 16cm. It weighs 60kg and is mounted in sets of six on a light utility vehicle as it is too heavy to be man portable. Its range is classified but is believed to be in excess of 10km and possibly up to 25km. Each battery will have 6 different vehicle types, an Information Processing Unit ( IPU ), a Fire Control Unit ( FCU ), a ground guidance unit ( GGU ), several launcher units ( LAU ), forward observation unit ( OPU ) and loaders ( LDU ). The unit at Kamifurano is the 2nd Ground To Ship and Anti-Tank Company whose parent unit is the JGSDF 2nd Division Northern Army. In Japanese it is known as the Kyuurokushiki Tamokuteki Yuudoudan SHISUTEMU ( 96式多目的誘導弾システム).
 
 
 
The Type 96 MPMS LAU during the annual Fuji Firepower Exercise
at the East Fuji Maneuvering Grounds near Gotemba,
Shizuoka Prefecture. Photo : JGSDF.
 
 
The Type 96 missile being fired from a camouflaged LAU vehicle. Photo : JGSDF 
 
 

Mountain Rescue Team ( 冬季遭難救援隊 )

 
  
 
The Alpine Rescue Team of the Kamifurano Station during winter exercises. 

With the greater Furano region flanked by the active Tokachi Volcanic Group which included high peaks like Furonodake ( 富良野岳 1912m ), Bieidake ( 美瑛岳 2052m ) and Tokachidake ( 十勝岳 2077m ) and also Hokkaido's highest peak Asahidake ( 旭岳 2291m ) aka Daisetsuzan ( 大雪山 ) a little further to the northeast, it is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs in the mountains especially during the winter season. In fact, the JGSDF Kamifurano " Winter Disaster Rescue Team " was formed in 2008 following an avalanche accident that killed 4 people on Mt Kamihoromettoku (上ホロカメットク山 ) in 2007. Members of the rescue team train all year round to prepare themselves for the winter season. In Japanese, they are known as the Touki Sounan Kyuuentai ( 冬季遭難救援隊 ).



Snow probes to look for buried survivors. Photo : JGSDF


JGSDF Kamifurano is located right at the door steps of the Tokachi Volcanic Group with peaks of 2000m or higher.



Bird's eye view of JGSDF Kamifurano Station.


The World of Philately


It is amazing how much we can learn from a postage stamp, especially if one is willing to invest in a little extra research into the background and history of the stamp issue. The internet has made such efforts a lot easier. Writing about Kamifurano Station's 60th Anniversary had broadened my knowledge on the JGSDF and its activities in Hokkaido. In time to come, this limited edition stamp sheet will also appreciate in value, making its collection even more worthwhile.

If you are interested to find out more about Japanese postage stamps, please visit Japan Post's website https://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte_hagaki/index.html ( Japanese only ).




JGSDF Kamifurano Station 60th Anniversary Logo. 




JGSDF Kamifurano Station side entrance looking east with Tokachi Mountains behind.